ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Election Commission
ECI Relaxes Public Notice Time Period for Registration of Political Parties
Election Commission of India has given a relaxation and has reduced the notice period from 30 days to 7 days for the parties who have published their public notice on or before 07.10.2020. For all parties, including those which have already published their Public Notice in less than 7 days prior to 07.10.2020, objection, if any, can be submitted latest by 5.30 PM on 10th October, 2020 or by the end of the originally provided 30 days period, whichever is earlier.
Since ECI announced General Elections for the Legislative Assembly of Bihar, 2020 on 25th September, 2020, it has been brought to the notice of the Commission that in view of prevailing restrictions on account of Covid -19, there was dislocation and delay in moving applications for registration, which in turn led to delay in registration as a Political Party. Therefore, after considering all aspects of the matter, Commission relaxed the Public Notice Time period. This relaxation will remain in force till 20th October, 2020, the last date of nomination for Phase 3 of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of State of Bihar
It may be recalled that Registration of Political parties is governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. A party seeking registration under the said Section with the Commission has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation as per guidelines prescribed by the Commission in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. As per existing guidelines, the applicant association is, inter-alia, asked to publish proposed Name of the party in two national daily news papers and two local daily newspapers, on two days for submitting objections, if any, with regard to the proposed registration of the party before the Commission within 30 days from such publication. Notice so published is also displayed on the website of the Commission.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Wind Pattern and Ventilation Index Forecast
Air quality over Delhi-NCR is likely to remain in Moderate category
Generally cloudy sky with very light rain/thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds  on 22.03.2021
Generally cloudy sky and very light rain/thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds  on 23.03.2021
Significant long range transport of dust is not likely for next three days
According to the Environment Monitoring and Research Centre  of the India Meteorological Department :
Air mass inflow forecast in Delhi along with predicted ventilation coefficient and weather forecast is as follows:
- The air quality over Delhi-NCR is likely to remain in Moderate category on 22.03.2021 and Moderate to Satisfactory category on 23.03.2021 and 24.03.2021. The Outlook for subsequent 5 Days: The air quality is likely to improve and remain in Moderate to Poor category.
- The predominant surface wind is likely to be coming from East directions of Delhi with wind speed 16-20 kmph and generally cloudy sky with very light rain/thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds  on 22.03.2021. The predominant surface wind is likely to be coming from Northeast directions of Delhi with wind speed 16-20 kmph, generally cloudy sky and very light rain/thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds  on 23.03.2021. The predominant surface wind is likely to be coming from Northwest directions of Delhi with wind speed 10-18 kmph and partly cloudy sky on 24.03.2021.
- Predicted maximum mixing depth is likely to be approx. 3600 m on 22.03.2021, 4000 m on 23.03.2021 and 3000 m on 24.03.2021 over Delhi. Maximum Ventilation index is likely to be approx 20000 m2/s on 22.03.2021, 11000 m2/s on 23.03.2021 and 17000 m2/s on 24.03.2021. The ventilation index lower than 6000 m2/s with average wind speed less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants.
- The transported dust concentration has subsided significantly. Significant long range transport of dust is not likely for next three days.
- Detailed forecast analysis and verification can be seen at https://ews.tropmet.res.in.
- Air mass inflow in Delhi along with ventilation index is attached.

Kindly download MAUSAM APP for location specific forecast & warning, MEGHDOOT APP for Agromet advisory and DAMINI APP for Lightning Warning & visit state MC/RMC websites for district wise warning.
Ministry of Coal
India co-chairs Global Methane InitiativeSteering Leadership Meeting
A Steering Leadership meeting of Global Methane Initiative  has been held virtually in which the Additional Secretary,Ministry of Coal, Shri V.K. Tiwari as the Vice Chairmanof this global initiative informed the participants about the work being carried out by India to mitigate the emission of methane.Emission of methane is a big concern as it is a greenhouse gas having 25-28 times harmful effect than carbon dioxide
Global Methane Initiative is a voluntary Government and an informal international partnership having members from 45 countriesincluding the United States and Canada. The forum has been created to achieve global reduction in anthropogenic methane emission through partnership among developed and developing countries having economies in transition.
The forum was created in 2004 and India is one of the members since its inception and has taken up Vice-Chairmanship for the first time in the Steering Leadership along with USA. The Chairperson of the Steering Leadership is from Canada.
Several decisions including holding of next round of meeting in near future were taken. Both Canada and the US appreciated the actions taken by India in reducing and harnessing methane gas.
Ministry of Steel
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan dedicates 100-bedded COVID care facility in Rourkela Steel Plant, Odisha
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today dedicated to the nation, Ispat Nidaan Kendra,a 100-bedded COVID care facility in SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant, Odisha. The facility will be later scaled up to 500 beds. All the beds in this Jumbo COVID-care facility have the provision of gaseous oxygen directly through dedicated line drawn directly from the oxygen unit of the steel plant. The provision of gaseous oxygen will help in getting rid of the need to replenish cylinders and the logistic issues, besides ensuring uninterrupted availability of the life saving gas. This jumbo facility, which has been set up within a record time, is in addition to the beds and ICU beds already made available earlier for fight against COVID.
The virtual event was also attended by the Minister of State for Steel Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Odisha Health Minister Shri Naba Kisore Das, MP from Sundargarh Shri Jual Oram, elected representatives from the area, Chairperson and CEO of SAIL Ms Soma Mondal, and Senior Officers of the Ministry of Steel and SAIL.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan said that this massive facility will help in containing the second wave of the Covid pandemic in the Southern Rourkela region and also strengthen healthcare response in the wake of a possible third wave. The permanent facility will also be used for non-Covid treatment post the pandemic, he added.
The Minister said that SAIL’s IPGI-SSH is already in the service of the COVID patients of the region. Recently, a 100-bedded ICU at the hospital was pressed into service to save lives. A virology laboratory was also set up at the hospital to facilitate RT-PCR testing, whose capacity has been enhanced from 60 to about 550 per day and will be increased to 1000 within a short time. He said that SAIL has been a frontrunner in producing and supplying Liquid Medical Oxygen, as well as in enhancing health and medical facilities in and around its plants. He appreciated SAIL for its tireless efforts in supplementing government’s efforts in fighting this pandemic.
Shri Pradhan said that Modi government has been sensitive to the needs of all sections of the society, and has acted in the true spirit of cooperative federalism to contain and mitigate the impact of the Covid pandemic. From setting up COVID-care centres, such as at Rourkela, to giving free vaccines to states, from managing the supply of liquid medical oxygen to equipping the states with other critical resources, the Centre has stood by the states and worked hand-in-hand to tide over the pandemic.He said that yesterday only, 12th board exams were cancelled to ensure safety of our children amidst the pandemic.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 517
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 195.81 Crore
More than 13 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 195.81 Crore  landmark milestone today. More than 13 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10408088
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10053996
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
5483769
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18421374
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17607845
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
9447671
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
35524551
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
20474990
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
60009964
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
47455595
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
557803986
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
496787913
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1791145
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
203370688
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
192413121
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1978855
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127192061
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
120112061
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
21844165
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1012730712
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
904905521
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
40545605
|
|
Total
|
|
1958181838
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 16th June, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
65
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
853
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
16891
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
156
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1095
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
61797
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
79263
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
212814
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
31516
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
95525
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
35390
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
350809
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
65221
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5521
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
74707
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
38528
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
4528
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
54090
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
192513
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
156439
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
789893
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
374950
|
|
Total
|
|
1321282
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Communications
TRAI releases Draft Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability  Regulations, 2023 for stakeholders’ comments
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  has today released Draft Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability  Regulations, 2023 for stakeholders’ comments.
Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2009  issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India lays down the regulatory framework for Mobile Number Portability  in the country. Till date eight amendments of the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2009 have been issued.
In the recent past, DoT, through its various communications to the TRAI, made certain suggestions in respect of regulatory framework for Mobile Number Portability. Keeping in view the suggestion of DoT, the Authority has decided to issue draft amendment regulations for stakeholders’ comments.
In this regard, Draft Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability  Regulations, 2023, seeking inputs from the stakeholders have been placed on TRAl’s website . Written comments on the issues raised in the draft amendment regulations are invited from the stakeholders by 25th October 2023.
The comments may be sent to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor , TRAI, preferably in electronic form at advmn@trai.gov.in. For any clarification/information, Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor , TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-23210481.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
126.53 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 99,974
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.29%; Lowest since March 2020
Recovery Rate currently at 98.35%
8,190 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,40,53,856
8,603 new cases in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate  less than 2% for last 61 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 1% for last 20 days
64.60 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & his Argentine counterpart Mr Jorge Enrique Taiana hold talks in New Delhi to deepen defence ties
Focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held talks with the visiting Minister of Defence of Argentine Republic Mr Jorge Enrique Taiana in New Delhi on July 18, 2023. Both Ministers discussed the ongoing defence cooperation initiatives, including measures to enhance defence industrial partnership.
Earlier in the day, the Argentine Defence Minister visited the National War Memorial and laid a wreath while paying homage to the fallen heroes. A Tri-service Guard of Honour was also presented to the visiting dignitary before the talks with the Raksha Mantri.
Mr Jorge Enrique Taiana arrived in New Delhi on July 17, 2023 on a four-day visit to India. He is accompanied by Secretary International Affairs, Argentine Ministry of Defence Mr Francisco Cafiero.
The Argentine Defence Minister visited BrahMos Aerospace and is scheduled to interact with leading think-tanks in Delhi. He will also travel to Bengaluru and visit the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd  facilities and separately interact with the defence start-ups in an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence .
India-Argentina relations were elevated to the level of Strategic Partnership in 2019. An MoU on defence cooperation too has been in force since 2019 while both sides are engaged to conclude further instruments to deepen the engagement. India and Argentina are working closely together to make defence engagements an important facet of their Strategic Partnership.
Ministry of Defence
Inverted Rifle & Helmet, symbol of fallen soldiers of 1971 war, shifted by Armed Forces from India Gate to National War Memorial
Armed Forces today in a ceremony shifted the Inverted Rifle and the Helmet from India Gate, which was the symbol of Fallen Soldiers of 1971 War, to Param Yodha Sthal at National War Memorial and installed the same in the midst of Busts of Param Vir Chakra Awardees.
With this ceremony, the integration of the Memorial of Fallen Soldiers of 1971 war with National War Memorial has been completed.
The ceremony was led by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee  Air Marshal BR Krishna and attended by Adjutant General equivalents from the three Services.
As part of the ceremony, a final salute was given and CISC offered a wreath at India Gate. Thereafter the Inverted Rifle and Helmet was removed and carried in a ceremonial vehicle to the Param Yodha Sthal and installed at a newly created monument. CISC accompanied by the AGs equivalents from three Services presented a salute to the new monument.
ABB/SR/Savvy
(Visitor Counter : 1734
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Toys Units
Government of India has taken several steps to promote and develop indigenous toy industry. To cater to the design and innovation related needs of MSMEs including toy sector, the Ministry through its network of MSME Technology Centres works for design and development of tools, moulds, dies, jigs, fixtures, prototypes etc. Besides, Ministry of MSME is conducting various skill development programmes for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in accordance with the demands of industry to fill the gap of skilled workforce in the MSME sector including Toy Industry.
Under the Scheme of Funds for Regeneration of Traditional Industries  of this Ministry, assistance is provided for creation of Common Facility Centres with latest machines, design centres, Raw Material Bank, skill development, exposure visit etc. A total of 14 Toy Clusters across the country have been approved under the scheme benefitting 8839 artisans with an outlay of Rs. 41.60 crore .
Office of Development Commissioner  is also providing need based support to Toy Clusters in the area of technology, marketing, soft and hard interventions and infrastructural support for sustainable development of handicraft artisans. Further, Office of Development Commissioner  has identified 13 Toy Cluster across the country for the overall development of cluster artisans of handmade toys. Virtual Toy fair was also organized during 27 February to 04 March 2021 participating 1074 exhibitors including 215 artisans from these 13 clusters.
This information was given by Union Minister for MSME Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
GI Certification for five varieties of Indian coffee
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India has recently awarded Geographical Indication  to five varieties of Indian coffee. They are:
- Coorg Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the region of Kodagu district in Karnataka.
- Wayanaad Robusta coffee is grown specifically in the region of Wayanad district which is situated on the eastern portion of Kerala.
- Chikmagalur Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the region of Chikmagalur district and it is situated in the Deccan plateau, belongs to the Malnad region of Karnataka.
- Araku Valley Arabica coffee can be described as coffee from the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region at an elevation of 900-1100 Mt MSL. The coffee produce of Araku, by the tribals, follows an organic approach in which they emphasise management practices involving substantial use of organic manures, green manuring and organic pest management practices.
- Bababudangiris Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the birthplace of coffee in India and the region is situated in the central portion of Chikmagalur district. Selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation, the cup exhibits full body, acidity, mild flavour and striking aroma with a note of chocolate. This coffee is also called high grown coffee which slowly ripens in the mild climate and thereby the bean acquires a special taste and aroma.
The Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, a unique specialty coffee from India, was given GI certification earlier.
In India, coffee is cultivated in about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers of which 98% are small farmers. Coffee cultivation is mainly done in the Southern States of India:
- Karnataka – 54%
- Kerala – 19%
- Tamil Nadu – 8%
Coffee is also grown in non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha  and North East States .
India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade, hand-picked and sun dried. India produces some of the best coffee in the world, grown by tribal farmers in the Western and Eastern Ghats,which are the two major bio-diversity hotspots in the world. Indian coffeeis highly valued in the world market and sold as premium coffee in Europe.
The recognition and protection that comes with GI certification will allow the coffee producers of India to invest in maintaining the specific qualities of the coffee grown in that particular region. It will also enhance the visibility of Indian coffee in the world and allow growers to get maximum price for their premium coffee.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shipping Lines advisednot to impose container detention charges on import and export shipments at Ports
Ministry of Shipping has advised the shipping lines not to impose any container detention charges on import and export shipments for the period from 22nd March,2020 to 14th April,2020 over and above free time arrangements that is currently agreed and availed as part of any negotiated contractual terms. The Advisory has been issued in order to maintain proper supply lines at the Indian Seaports. During this period, Shipping lines have also been advised not to impose any new or additional charge. This decision is purely one-time measure to deal with present disruptions caused by COVID-19 outbreak.
Following the announcement of the lockdownin the country from 25th March, 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic, there has been some disturbance in downstream services, leading to some delay in evacuation of goods from the ports. This has resulted in some cargo owners either suspending their operations or finding it difficult to transport goods/cargo and complete their paperwork, leading to detention of containers without their fault. The Advisory will help in smooth functioning of trade and maintenance of supply chain in the country.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Road Projects under TOT Model
National Highway projects having approximately 6400 k.m. of length have been identified under Toll Operate Transfer Model. The first Bundle of TOT with a length of 680 km has been awarded to M/s MAIF Investments India Pvt.Ltd. andAshokaBuildcon Limited Consortium at Bid Concession fee of Rs 9681.5 cr. Concessionaire has deposited Rs.9681.5 crore to NHAI on 28.08.2018 and TOT bundle 1 project has started w.e.f. 29.08.2018. Bid for TOT Bundle-2 was invited w.e.f. 06.08.2018 and three Bids were received on bid due date of 19.12.2018. However, the Bidding process was annulled due to low quote by highest bidder M/s Cube [14% below Authority Estimated Initial Estimated Concession Value ]. Bid for TOT Bundle-3 has been invited on 13.06.2019 with bid due date of 11.09.2019.
This information was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of  ‘6.99% GS 2026’,  ‘7.17% GS 2030’,  ‘7.18% GS 2037’ and  ‘7.25% GS 2063’
The Government of India  has announced the sale  of  “6.99% Government Security 2026” for a notified amount of ₹8,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method,  “7.17% Government Security 2030” for a notified amount of ₹7,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method,  “7.18% Government Security 2037” for a notified amount of ₹12,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method and  “7.25% Government Security 2063” for a notified amount of ₹12,000 crore  through price based auction using multiple price method. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs. 2,000 crore against each security mentioned above. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on August 04, 2023 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the securities will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on August 04, 2023. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on August 04, 2023  and payment by successful bidders will be on August 07, 2023 .
The Securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.